Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by wild emotional changes. These changes, from up to down, can happen immediately, for no apparent reason. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1% of the United States population, although this figure does not include undiagnosed cases.
Bipolar disorder is defined as a major affective disorder in which individuals alternate between states of deep depression and extreme agitation. In other words, it is a mental disorder, a mental disorder, which affects the emotional state of the sufferer. They cycle between different extremes of the emotional boundaries. People suffering from bipolar disorder may be agitated one moment but indifferent the next, or reckless and then helpless.
The manic stages of bipolar disorder include moods such as extreme optimism, excitement, and an inflated self-image. Speedy speech, risky behavior, increased sex drive, increased anxiety, inability to concentrate, and drug use are all possible signs of manic behavior. Depressive behavior, on the other hand, can be presented with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. At this stage of the disease, the sufferer may have sleep problems, loss of appetite, irritability, chronic pain, and a loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy.
Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves therapy and medication. Because bipolar is a disorder that lasts through a person’s life, it is crucial to learn how to deal with varying episodes of this disorder treatment. Medications may include mood stabilizers, seizure medications (also to stabilize moods), antidepressants, and antipsychotics or anti-anxiety medications. Psychotherapy can include individual therapy, group therapy, and family protection. Hospitalization for a short period of time can also be wise, especially in severe depression episodes.
Although not curable, it is possible to live a normal life relatively with bipolar disorder. Taking prescribed medications as directed by a physician is critical to dealing with this condition. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Not only can they interact negatively with medication, they can worsen your condition. Know your danger signals. If you begin to feel yourself begin a dangerous spiral into depression or extreme mania, seek the help of a professional. Finally, check with your doctor before starting any new medications, in the event of a drug interaction. This includes over-the-counter medications such as cold and flu medications.
Coping with bipolar disorder can be very difficult. It is important to remember that, first and foremost, you are not your suffering. It can affect your life, but it doesn’t have to be your life. Keep your goals for life in mind, join a support group, and find a healthy outlet for frustration. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. Knowledge is power, and it applies especially to mental disorders. Join a support group for people suffering from bipolar disorder. Also learn and practice stress management and relaxation techniques. Striving too quietly can help reduce the severity of maniac or depressive episodes.
If you are friends with, or related to, someone with bipolar disorder, it can be difficult to understand what they are struggling with. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. This can answer a number of questions you have about the other person? It’s personality quirks. Try to be as supportive as you can be, but acknowledge that it is not your job to take care of them. Know your own boundaries, what you can handle and what you can’t. It is acceptable to need help yourself. Rely on family and friends for the support you need, join a support group, talk to your doctor, or find a good counselor.
Bipolar disorder is a difficult condition to understand. Because the symptoms are so diverse, it is difficult to know what each day will bring. During bad episodes, it can interfere with the life of a person suffering from it, resulting in job loss and financial problems. However, it is a quite manageable disorder under the care of a qualified physician. Seeking medical support for your condition is the first step on the road back to a normal life.
- Individual therapy is often used to help people who are bipolar.
- Scientists are uncertain about what really causes bipolar disorder, which was once called manic depression.
- The extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can lead to difficulties with day-to-day functioning.
- Bipolar treatment usually involves medication.
- Bipolar disorder is not curable, but it can be managed.
- Utter hopelessness can be a symptom of bipolar disorder.
- Someone who is bipolar may have the mood influenced by their surroundings.
